Many NFL scouts believe this is a bad year for tight ends in the draft. Naturally, the tight ends disagree.

“It’s something I can’t control, so it’s something I won’t worry about,” Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams said in a telephone interview. “But I also know I’m going to make the most of any opportunity I get.”

Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph is the only tight end with a chance to be drafted in the first round though he's not a lock but here are six who can help teams:

Virgil Green, Nevada

Why he’s intriguing: Green is a gifted athlete who can get down the field and break tackles after the catch. He was impressive at the Scouting Combine. Now Green must convince a team that his athleticism will translate into playmaking at the NFL level.

Who might be interested: Patriots, Raiders

Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin

Why he’s intriguing: Though he’s a bit undersized, Kendricks did well as a blocker in college. He won’t be a game-breaker, but with his sure hands, he could find a niche as a possession receiver.

Who might be interested: Bills, Broncos

Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

Why he’s intriguing: Limited to six games because of a hamstring injury in 2010, Rudolph was impressive during his pro day Thursday. Rudolph (6-6, 259) has great upside because he's a big target who has sure hands and is a physical blocker.

Who might be interested: Broncos, Cardinals

Andre Smith, Virginia Tech

Why he’s intriguing: Not only is Smith a devastating blocker at 270 pounds, he has great character. Smith lost his mother to leukemia when he was 15, but he has already graduated from Virginia Tech and was one of Hokies’ team leaders. "I want to go into federal law enforcement if possible," Smith said. "My ideal job would be working on a SWAT team or working with the DEA or maybe the secret service. It’s just another way to make a difference."

He added, "My mother was my best friend. Life hasn’t been just about the game for me. I didn’t have the mindset of a typical 16-year-old or 17-year-old when I was a teenager, I was thinking like a 22-year-old, thinking about graduating, getting a job. Now, I’m on the verge of realizing a dream, playing in the NFL."

Who might be interested: Dolphins, Giants

Luke Stocker, Tennessee

Why he’s intriguing: He runs excellent routes and should be a reliable possession receiver if he continues to develop. His offseason workouts with Cowboys tight end Jason Witten have given Stocker insight into what is expected of an NFL tight end.

"When you’re at Tennesse as a tight end, you hear about Jason Witten all the time," Stocker said. "He kind of set the standard at Tennessee for what expectations are. I’ve actually worked out with him a couple of times. He’s one of the best in the league, probably the purest route runner in the league. He came back last summer, he worked out with me quite a bit, and we built up a little bit of relationship. He’s an awesome guy, and he cares an awful lot about the University of Tennessee. He’s obviously a great player."

Who might be interested: Broncos, Falcons

D.J. Williams, Arkansas

Why he’s intriguing: He has shown the ability to adjust his body to make difficult catches. Playing in college with an NFL-caliber quarterback like Ryan Mallett allowed Williams to showcase his skills.

"They know I’m versatile enough to play tight end but also can motion out of the backfield, play fullback or go out to a slot," Williams said. "One thing scouts keep asking me is if I can block. I had to block every weekend. In the SEC, you have no choice but to block if you want to be a complete tight end.’’